Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced the “Securing Maritime Data from Communist China Act” today, which bans the free, Chinese state-owned logistics platform LOGINK from being used by U.S. military or commercial interests at ports at home or abroad. Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-California) introduced companion legislation in the House.
Bill text may be found here.
“The United States shouldn’t actively aid China’s spy operations. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens when we allow our commercial or even military ships to be tracked with LOGINK, a Chinese data collection platform. Our bill would stop the Department of Defense from partnering with any group that uses LOGINK and prevent the software’s spread,” said Senator Cotton.
“The world is only now becoming aware of the extent of the Chinese Communist Party’s espionage. The CCP has used the data and logistics platform LOGINK for years to spy on our supply chains and gather data about any potential weaknesses. As the CCP continually escalates their aggression towards democracies around the world, the urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. This threat must be addressed immediately, for the sake of our national security and that of all freedom loving nations,” said Congresswoman Steel.
The Securing Maritime Data from Communist China Act would:
·Safeguard American national security by preventing the Department of Defense from entering into any contracts with entities that use LOGINK.
·Require President Biden to ensure that any major international agreement would stop the platform’s spread in the United States and in allied countries.
